Despite the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), racial disparities in breast reconstruction after mastectomy continue to persist. A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® reveals that while overall rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) have increased, significant gaps remain among different racial and ethnic groups. The study analyzed data from the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Project, focusing on patients who underwent mastectomy before and after the ACA’s full implementation. Before the ACA, IBR rates were notably lower among minority groups, with 35.1% of White patients undergoing reconstruction compared to 22.3% of Black/African…
Author: Disparity Matters
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in shared decision-making (SDM) among patients with hypertension. The study, part of the RICH LIFE Project, analyzed data from 1,426 participants with uncontrolled hypertension, predominantly non-Latino Black individuals.The findings indicate that non-Latino Black patients had higher SDM scores compared to non-Latino White patients, yet disparities in hypertension control persist. Despite higher SDM scores, Black and Latino patients continue to face challenges in managing their blood pressure effectively. The study highlights that adherence to antihypertensive medication is lower among Black (36%) and Latino…
A recent study by researchers from Michigan State University has unveiled how urban design can significantly impact public health, particularly in minority communities. The study, led by Professor Fatemeh Saeidi-Rizi and Ph.D. student Musab Wedyan, focused on identifying specific factors in walkable neighborhoods that contribute to better health outcomes. Their findings, published on April 29, 2025, highlight the importance of urban planning in addressing health disparities. The research revealed that the density of street intersections is the most critical factor in improving weight control and reducing obesity rates. Additionally, the size of city blocks and the proximity to public transport…
A new study highlights how cultural adaptation and socioeconomic status intersect to influence health outcomes among Hispanic populations in the United States. Published in Endocrinology Advisor, the research found that both acculturation and educational attainment significantly affect the risk of developing hypertension and diabetes.Drawing on data from over 11,000 Hispanic adults across four U.S. cities, the study revealed that individuals with lower income and less acculturation were more likely to develop diabetes. Conversely, those with higher acculturation and higher socioeconomic status had the lowest risk for both diabetes and hypertension.At baseline, 27.4% of participants had hypertension and 17.7% had diabetes.…
A significant racial disparity exists in the linkage to care for children diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV), according to a recent study. Hispanic/Latinx and White children have more than twofold and threefold increased odds, respectively, of being linked to care compared to Black children.Researchers from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine examined data from 2,048 children with newly diagnosed HCV between 2010 and 2019. The study revealed that only 31.7 percent of these children were linked to appropriate specialty care within one year of diagnosis, highlighting a critical gap in pediatric healthcare.The disparity remained consistent even after researchers…
A new study finds that Black youth exposed to dangerous environments in childhood face increased health risks as adults, including elevated alcohol consumption, accelerated aging, and cardiac problems. Researchers followed 449 Black participants from age 10 to 29, uncovering a delayed effect of early adversity on adult health—a process they call “incubation.”The study found that exposure to violence, such as neighborhood fights involving weapons or witnessing assaults, predicted changes in immune system regulation. Specifically, it led to demethylation of FKBP5, a gene linked to inflammation. This biological shift was associated with higher alcohol consumption in young adulthood, even among those…
A recent survey conducted by Aflac reveals a concerning trend: 90% of Americans are postponing routine health screenings that could detect serious illnesses early. The Wellness Matters Survey highlights that screening avoidance is particularly prevalent among white people and U.S. Latinos. This delay in health checkups spans across generations, with three in five Americans admitting to avoiding important screenings for two consecutive years, an increase from 51% in 2023.The survey identifies several reasons for this avoidance, including embarrassment, fear of bad news, logistical barriers, inconvenience, and distrust or dislike of doctors. For instance, 32% of Gen Z experiences negative feelings…
Survival outcomes for uterine cancer in the United States reveal stark and persistent racial and ethnic disparities, as reported in a recent cohort study analyzing data between 2000 and 2019. Researchers examined how race and ethnicity are associated with survival rates after a uterine cancer diagnosis, factoring in where people live and the diversity of their communities.Findings demonstrate that Black women consistently experience worse survival rates compared with White women in almost all regions. Asian and Hispanic women, on the other hand, often show better survival rates than their White counterparts, but this advantage is not uniform across the country.…
President Trump issued an executive order Wednesday targeting the nation’s two primary medical education accreditors for their diversity, equity, and inclusion standards, a move that could significantly impact minority representation in healthcare. The order specifically criticizes the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for what it calls “unlawful discriminatory practices.”The administration’s directive threatens to strip these organizations of their exclusive accrediting authority unless they remove requirements that medical schools “engage in ongoing, systematic, and focused recruitment and retention activities, to achieve mission-appropriate diversity outcomes among its students.” Similarly, the ACGME is…
Recent insights from Word in Black reveal the significant barriers Black communities face in accessing hospice care. The term “hospice” often evokes a sense of finality, leading to misconceptions and reluctance among Black families to utilize these services. This hesitancy is rooted in historical mistrust of the healthcare system, compounded by cultural stigmas and economic barriers.Black patients frequently encounter challenges in receiving quality end-of-life care. Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role, as many Black families struggle with poverty and lack of health insurance, limiting their access to hospice services. Additionally, cultural beliefs and norms influence attitudes towards hospice care, with…